If you or someone around you is experiencing signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw or back, call 911 immediately. Do not wait or try to drive yourself to the hospital. Every second counts, and emergency responders can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital.
When a cardiac arrest occurs, immediate recognition, intervention and treatment are necessary. Because of that, the cause of cardiac arrest is typically diagnosed at a later time, after lifesaving treatment has been provided. If heart attack is suspected as the cause of cardiac arrest, an urgent cardiac catheterization procedure may be needed for diagnosis and treatment.
To provide a quick response, emergency responders will do a quick survey of symptoms, most notably checking that the person is unconscious, nonresponsive, not breathing and has no pulse. They’ll then provide lifesaving interventional measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator.
After arrival at the hospital, medical providers will confirm whether a cardiac arrest has occurred and rule out any potential other causes.
Your provider’s first step in diagnosing your heart condition is taking your history, followed by a physical exam. The purpose is to learn about your symptoms and overall health. During your visit, expect your provider to do the following:
- Discuss your medical history and current medical conditions.
- Examine your body, including your abdomen, eyes and ears, feet and ankles, neck, nose and mouth, and skin.
- Listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.
Blood tests, a common part of a medical exam, are tests that help doctors diagnose medical conditions. Blood tests can be used to check your overall health, and they can alert your doctor to changes occurring within your body.
During most blood tests, a healthcare provider inserts a needle into your arm at your elbow. The blood flows through the needle and into a tube, which is sealed and evaluated in a lab.
A blood test usually takes less than 15 minutes.
An electrocardiogram is a noninvasive test that records your heart’s electrical activity.
During an electrocardiogram, temporary electrodes will be placed on the chest to monitor and record electrical signals. A computer then translates those signals into a wave pattern to be interpreted by a medical provider.
An electrocardiogram is a simple test that can be performed within minutes in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Other forms of ECG track the heart’s rhythms for longer periods of time. These include an event monitor, which is worn for a week or longer, and a Holter monitor, which is worn for up to 48 hours.
An electrophysiology (EP) study evaluates the heart’s electrical activities. It is similar to an ECG, but is done inside of the heart instead of outside.
During an EP study, small catheters (tubes) will be inserted into the body through a blood vessel in the groin, neck or arm. The insertion area will first be numbed using medication. An electrophysiologist will use X-ray and ultrasound to guide the catheters up to the heart, where they’re used to record the electrical activity in the heart.
During this test, the electrophysiologist may use a device to stimulate electrical impulses in the heart and increase your heart rate. The provider can evaluate the results of the study in real time to detect abnormalities.
After an EP study, you’ll remain in bed for up to three hours, taking care to keep your legs still if the catheters were placed in the groin. The length of your stay in the hospital will depend on the results of the testing. You may be released after the four-hour monitoring period or you may need to stay longer.
Right heart catheterization is a procedure that uses a catheter to monitor heart function, blood flow and pressure in the heart and lungs. This procedure is also known as pulmonary artery catheterization.
A right heart catheterization is most often performed in the cardiac catheterization lab. You will receive sedation to help you relax. Most patients are awake during this test.
Your provider makes a small incision in your groin or neck and inserts a catheter into the veins. Using X-ray guidance, the catheter is guided through the heart and measures blood flow and pressure on the right side of your heart and into your lungs.
You will remain in the hospital for a few hours after right heart catheterization. Most patients can go home the same day.
Coronary angiography, also called a coronary angiogram, is a test that evaluates your coronary arteries to determine if a narrowing or blockage is present.
A coronary angiogram is performed in the cardiac catheterization lab. You will receive sedation to help you relax. Depending on your health and the reason for your angiogram, you may be awake or you may receive general anesthesia so you’re completely asleep.
Your provider makes a small incision in your groin or wrist. A catheter is then inserted into the incision. This flexible tube is guided to the heart, and then a special dye is released from the tube. The contrast dye spreads through your heart and blood vessels. X-ray pictures then highlight blocked arteries causing your symptoms.
If you have a blockage, your doctor may choose to treat it right away. This may be done by inflating a balloon on the end of the catheter to expand the artery and remove the blockage. During this procedure, known as angioplasty, a mesh tube called a stent is often placed to help the artery stay open.
Depending on your condition, you might be able to go home the same day as your coronary angiogram, or you might need to stay in the hospital longer.
